Drug Ratings for FEMARAAverage Rating: 2.6 (908 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR FEMARA | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 5 | Stage 2 BC, ER+ | Had the joint pain and hot flashes. Took two two-week breaks in the first year just to get relief from pain. After second break, pain did not recur. The rest of my 5 years went by easily. I did have some bone loss, but had excellent bone health before starting Femara so I never had to do more than take a ton of calcium and Vit. D. Also, no head hair loss, but legs and arms became baby-bottom smooth from loss of hair on them. | Since I've gone off it, I've noticed that a heart arrhythmia that was driving me crazy had suddenly gone back to its normal (before femara) once-in-a-while schedule rather than all the time. Hot flashes are worse, than when I was on femara. Not noticed any body hair regrowth, which is kind of nice. | F | 66 | 5 years 2,5 mg 1X D | 5/7/2013 | 2 | breast cancer | severe joint pain, depression, hot flashes. loss of energy, whole body aching | I have been on letrozole for 1 year and it is horrible. I can hardly get out of a chair, walk, sleep, (thank god for ambien and oxy), can't bend my hands hardly walk. no energy to do anything with friends and I usually cancel. the only thing that has helped me is seeing a pain management doctor who has helped me lessen the pain so that I can atleast party live my life. Also, water aerobics is the only thing that I can do and forget about my pain for an hour. TRY IT, IT really works. I am afraid to go off for I never had chemo and stats were based on talking the Femara. My life is a mess. I thought that once you go off the side affects go away and now I am a afraid that is thisl is going to be my life. A cannot work for I cant sit, walk for long times or do anything for more than an hour...I am afraid of eventually will be living on the street. | F | 50 | 352 days 1X D | 4/30/2013 | 3 | Breast Cancer | Trigger thumb, weight gain, fatigue, sleeplessness,dizzy at times, low stamina. Arthitis, twisted fingers. | Does anyone know if the weight gain goes away after stopping Femara? I have gained 30 pounds since beginning my treatment. | F | 61 | 3 years 2.5mg 1X D | 4/19/2013 | 3 | 2A Her2Neu+ Breast Cancer | This is an update to my 8/11 post regarding debilitating bone pain, particularly in the foot, ankles and hips and my use of NeoCell brand collagen supplements. | As an update to my post on my 08/?/2011 the next page over I mentioned taking NeoCell Collagen Type 1&3. I immediately felt fantastic but I noticed after several months of using it seemed to have had sort of a plateau effect. That being said, I had also became very inconsistent in using it as directed...on an empty stomach at the same time every day and sometimes forgetting to take for several days in a row. My bad. I still felt better but "stuck". It got worse when I purchased a different brand and just became miserable all over again. Fast forward and I re-invested in the NeoCell brand. This time I re-researched and purchased the Type 2 Collagen. This is specifically for bones and joint lubrication and contains hyaluronic acid. I've been on it two weeks and feel even better than the type 1 & 3 made me feel. I am also very diligent to take it as directed, on an empty stomach, immediately upon awakening every single day. After approximately 30 minutes, you are then able to take type 1 & 3. They are not to be taken together! I am using type 2 till I run out to gauge the results at which point I plan on taking the two together at the specified time intervals. The pains that I do feel now are more in line with what I felt before femara and for a woman my age and weight (I'm a big girl!). I feel "normal" again. I will update this in a few months but in the mean time, the best price seems to be directly thru NeoCell or thru Amazon. I have not seen i | F | 49 | 3 years 2.5 1X D | 4/8/2013 | 4 | ER+ PR+ and Her2+ Breast Ca | Mostly hotflashes, some joint pain....I take it at night and then take my sleeping pill so I can sleep through most of it.... | F | 62 | 2.5 years 2.5 mg 1X D | 4/7/2013 | 5 | stage 4 recurrence of ER+/PR+ BC | Multiple tumors shrank & disappeared after 6 months of drug use. Side effects included joint pain & sleeplessness, which improved after taking glucosamine/chondroitin. 2 years in got bad trigger thumbs, which resolved without intervention in 3 months. Sleeplessness has gone away; now just need more sleep (9-10 hours). After 3 1/2 years, tumors have not recurred. I consider the price paid well worth it. | F | 65 | 3.5 years 2.5 mg 1X D | 4/4/2013 | 1 | breast cancer stage 1 | I am off of femara since 2011. I am now suffering with vertebra problems in the lumbar spine at many levels (l1-s1) | F | 66 | 5 years | 3/20/2013 | 2 | Infertility | While only taking for only 5 days a month, I've had bad knee, hip and thigh pain, terrible headaches and heart palpitations also hot flushes. Only on my second month still no baby! | F | 28 | 5 days 2.5mg | 3/17/2013 | 4 | BC stage2 lymph nodes clear grade 3 | trigger finger, arthritis like symptoms entire body, 2 spells over last 4.5 yrs of low back pain, and recently severe itching around my neck at onset of hot flashes | Repost from 3-7-10 - still cancer free at 4 yrs 8 mos - if femara is the reason then the little bit of discomfort I have had is worth it...no doubt, proper nutrition and exercise have helped me immensely...my onc is now suggesting I stay on it another 5 yrs as studies are coming in that 10 yrs use keeps the Big C at bay...I say sign me up for another bottle of femara!!! | F | 54 | 4.5 years 2.5 mg 1X D | 2/19/2013 | 1 | Post op BSO.Past history breast Ca | I am reposting having been off this drug for 5 months now. Whilst on it my joints and muscles ached immensely, some days I struggled to walk, get out of the car and walk up stairs. I have been left with excrutiatingly painful feet and heels which has now been Dx by a pain specialist as idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. | I have not been able to become pain free following the side effect pains brought on by this horrid poison. | F | 49 | 2 months 1X D | 2/15/2013 | 1 | BREAST CANCER STAGE 2 | Estrogen Receptor Positive followed by a complete Hysterectomy. Have been off for 4 yrs on May 27, 2013 and it saddens me that this is not any better for anyone. A lot of the symptoms posted just on page one of 15 internet pages. Most seriously Bones, Joints, Muscles, Headaches, 4 additional meds a day to try to control HB but did not work. Had been walking 4 miles a day 7 days a week and could not walk a block or hardly up and down the stairs. Hands as in finger nuckles bad. Had braces for hands, knees and feet. | I wanted to leave a comment again about two things I take everyday that I found out about in this blog almost 4 yrs ago and wanted to share again. Always research and read first and show to your doctor. NATURES WAY KRILL OIL, 500mgs and I take two a day. Herebs of Gold - PAIN EASE I maintain enough with just one a day and of course I take 800mgs of prescribed Ibuprofen twice a day. On top of all this I have severe issues with my back. In the search engine type in Herbs of Gold Pain Ease and read about it. Next type in http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/inflammation/why-krill-oil/ and read the article from Dr. Michael Eades. It helped the people I found out about it from I am hoping that it will help someone else. Just had my 4 year clear mamo and the tech doing the mamo said there are a lot of women coming in with terrible sideffects of this meds. There may only be 897 ratings but so many don't know about this site. My Hearts best to everyone out there . . . Please feel free to email me anytime, Brenda | F | 58 | 4 months .25 1X D | 2/11/2013 | 1 | breast ca stage II her2 | Joint pain and stiffness in hips, back, and knees, crepey dry skin, thinning hair, ridged nails, cramps in hands, fingers, weight gain from inability to exercise due to joint pain, fatigue. Worsening symptoms of Grave's Disease. | It's been almost 6 mths since I stopped Femara, but symptoms haven't abated. Quality of life plummeted. With such compromised mobility I feel like a prisoner as I've formerly been a very active person with many responsibilities. I wonder if my reaction to Femara has something to do with my autoimmune Grave's Disease, i.e. an autoimmune reaction to the anti-estrogen toxin in Femara | F | 72 | 9 months 2.5 1X D | 2/4/2013 | 4 | Breast Cancer | Slight hair loss, slight memory loss, irritable, vaginal dryness, slight joint pain. | I took Tamoxifen for 5 years and on recommendation of surgeon changed to Femara and was advised that protection of bone density would be less, but less chance of recurring cancer. My 10 years cancer free was March 2011 and am happy that I took the doctor's advice for this 'insurance policy' to now be free of the cancer, and drugs. After nearly 2 years since taking Femara, I am starting to notice a difference - hair growth is back to normal, less vaginal dryness (slowly nearly back to normal), however, joint pain persists and worse as I get older and post-Femara - now take Mobic anti-inflammatory tablets a few days at a time when pain at its worse. | F | 56 | 5 years 2.5mg 1X D | 2/3/2013 | 3 | her2newand estrogen positive stage | Bone and joint pain, vaginal dryness, fatigue, memory problems, some weight gain | I feel that the bone pain is the worst. However, if it keeps me cancer free it is worth the side effects. My onco wants me on it indefinetly. I hope the side effects don't become worse. It is difficult to exercise. | F | 58 | 1 years 2.5 MG 1X D | 1/27/2013 | 4 | Breast Cancer | Arthritis, hip pain, weight gain | Has anybody else gained weight on Femara? I gain 30 pounds in the last 3 years taking Fermara. The first years was the worst, a lot of pain in hands, feet and could barely stand without pain. Now it has gotten better but I am not really sure why. I will be off of Femara (Letrolzol) in two 1 year 9 months. | F | 60 | 3 years 2.5 1X D | 1/13/2013 | 3 | Breast ca ER+/PR+/HER+ stage2 | 1st month pretty well, 2nd month wrist pain at time, 3rd mo well tolerated so far with some skin rash | had first taken Arimidex, was horrible with joint pain, felt like 100 yrs old, then I had frozen shoulder which was fixed by 2mo therapy. Had to stop after 2mo on it. After 1mo break my onc switched me to Femara with glucosamine and Tumeric 2x/day, It works! | F | 51 | 3 months 2.5 1X D | 1/2/2013 | 1 | Stage 4 BC | Hot flashes (internal thermostat broken), hair loss, weepiness, and an insidious development of pains in hips, legs, joints as well as exhaustion and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. My question is have any other patients had herniated discs after using drug? Please reply... | After 8 months, finally realized that physical side effects were from Femara. Within 2 weeks of stopping drug, had 2 herniated discs and I'm wondering if Femara didn't contribute...the aging effect of the drug may have made me susceptability to spinal injury. Please ring in if you've had an experience like this. Thank you and may God bless us all! | 59 | 9 months 2.5 1X D | 11/30/2012 | 3 | Stage 2 Breast Cancer | Sleeplessness. slight frequent headaches, initially dizziness but this has worn off. | I have just read all the comments and am now very concerned about what everyone is saying. I will stay on it for now, as I do not want to have to go through this roller coaster ride with cancer again if I can help it. Blessings to all. | F | 56 | 3 weeks 1X D | 11/19/2012 | 1 | Stage IV Endometriosis | Bone pain, joint pain, dizziness, blurry vision, excessive vaginal bleeding, and collapsing. I was a healthy 24 year old woman trying it for endometriosis. It crippled me in two weeks. This drug was terrible and I have nothing nice to say about it. | I developed uterine polyps and I required surgery. I've dislocated my finger, busted my knee skiing, busted my hip in a car accident, broke my nose, had an earring torn from my earlobe, and had my nostril slit. The pain I felt on Femara mad everything else feel like a tickle. Femara made my bones and joints hurt so bad I was in tears. I cried once in my life because of pain. It was on Femara. Also it didn't work for my endometriosis and I need surgery for the polyps it caused. I give it a negative 100 stars. | F | 24 | 14 days 2.5 1X D | 11/17/2012 | 1 | Stage 1 Breast Cancer | Femara/ letrozole - I feel like I’m 100 years old. ---I have unbelievable aching, horrible cramping and stiffness in my joints, thighs, hips and legs; my legs and bones literally ache and it gets worse the longer I take this poison. The heels of my feet are killing me. It's extremely difficult, especially after sitting for awhile or when I first get up in the morning, it’s a struggle going up and down stairs. --- Change in hair texture and I’m shedding like Angora cat. --- Dizziness – Femara related, I’m not sure; but never had it before taking Femara. --- This is not me, I’m extremely lethargic, no motivation, exhausted, can't focus or remember things, don’t want to be around people, I don’t return phone calls or emails; I hate feeling like this. --- Osteoporosis – my doctor wanted me to start Boniva because Femara has a history of sucking the calcium out of your bones. I refuse to take Boniva, like this drug, too many ugl | --- I quit taking Femara today (October 27,2012), almost 6 months to the day. My doctor wants to me start on Tamoxifen, which she says doesn’t have all these side effects and doesn’t require me to be on Boniva....we'll see. I’m checking this site for Tamoxifen and will post my comments in 6 months regarding this drug too. I will give it a try and weigh the side effects; I will quit all these drugs and take my chances if they impact my quality of life like Femara/letrozole. --- Joint, leg cramping/pains, as one review recommended, I started taking Glucosamine (1500 mg) and Chondroitin (1200 mg) around Aug. 18th I don’t see any relief. --- Change in hair texture - Two weeks ago, I started using “Just Natural Organic Hair Care – Vinegar Nutritive Rinse Cleanser” and it's been helping a lot, I really like this stuff. (www.justnaturalskincare.com) | F | 63 | 6 months 2.5 mg. 1X D | 10/27/2012 | 4 | Breast cancer | Though having joint pain this drug at least helps me to survive | F | 50 | 3 years 2.5mg | 10/21/2012 | 1 | Breast cancer | Terrible hot flushes, joint pain, sleeplessness, crying, ageing, tiredness. Lost use of ring finger on right hand and rest of fingers and thumbs affected and very painful. Mornings are the worst. Was meant to be on it for five years only lasted five months. | F | 64 | 5 months 2.5 1X D | 10/13/2012 | 4 | stage 2 breast cancer | Had started with femara four years ago. Switched to generic letrozole. Wake up stiff in morning. By time I get downstairs stiffness gone. Stiff when I get up from chair. Excessive weight gain but my tumid markers have gone down. Hopefully this medication will prevent reoccurence. | F | 59 | 2.5mg 1X D | 10/8/2012 | 3 | Endomtrial Stromal Sarcoma Stage 2b | Stiffness, joint and bone pain. Burning sensation in hands and feet. High cholesterol, high blood calcium level. Hot/cold flashes and night sweats. Dry skin, change in hair texture. Dizziness. Loss of appetite. Fatigue. | The first three months on Femara the only side effects were hot/cold flashes, night sweats, loss of appetite and dizziness. At the three month mark the joint and bone pain started and has some days been very painful. I also found out I now have high cholesterol and high calcium. I read an article the other day that says if a patient takes Femara and experiences new hot flashes and night sweats along with joint pain within the first three months of taking Femara that their cancer is less likely to recur. I sure hope that's correct and the benefits out way the risks. Will reevaluate at the 6 month mark if I want to stay on this drug. | F | 50 | 4 months 2.5 mg 1X D | 10/7/2012 | 1 | Breast Cancer Stage II | Dibilating join and bone pain. I struggled everyday with stiffness and pain throughout my body; and sleeplessness. It effected my ability to work and perform daily functions. This also resulted in a diagnosis of viginal atrophy. In June I was taken off this drug, since then the pain has gotten worse and I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am not a complainer so I tolerated taking this drug, not knowing that the benefit was miniscule. If I had been given all the stats I would have opted not to take Femara. I welcome any advice on how to relieve the joint pain. | the warnings about Femara and Letrozole are inadequate. Warnings should include the statistics on the miniscule benefit of taking this drug vs the long term damage to your body and health. An emphasis needs to be made on the high percentage of women suffering with the long term effects of this drug. | F | 56 | 5 years 2.5mg 1X D | 9/27/2012 | 2 | Fertility Issues | Ever since I started Femara I haven't been feeling well. I've had really bad abdominal and vaginal pain. I've also had hair loss, upset stomach, acne, and hot flashes. | I don't think I will take this medication again. It's made me feel horrible. | F | 23 | 5 days 1X D | 9/22/2012 | 3 | Breast Cancer Stage1 | been taking this pill for 4 years and 9 months - suppose to take for another 3 months - but i cannot do it - i am so beat up with this pill - i just can't take another day with it - hope everyone has better luck with the side effects than i have had with it. | have had pain in joints - horrible pain in stomach - and list goes on. | F | 68 | 4 years 2.5 1X D | 9/15/2012 | 1 | Breast cancer | Depression lump in throat joy flashes night sweats joint pain tired | F | 59 | 4 months 2,5 | 9/11/2012 | 4 | Stage III BC with 5/7 lymph nodes+ | I have many of the same side effects that everyone else has, but mainly the joint pain, hot flashes, insomnia and weight gain. | I want to add that in addition to the turmeric/curcumin supplement, cinammon is also a natural anti-inflammatory. I actually take a teaspoon of cinammon mixed with a small amount of water and agave nectar every morning, and have much less joint pain with this supplementation. I also take a turmeric supplement but I was not aware that black pepper was necessary to fully complete the benefit of the turmeric. I will also add that, even though it is very hard to do, exercise actually help control the joint pain. It doesn't feel like it when you hurt while exercising, but having had to give it up for several weeks, the pain was much greater. I would very much appreciate the person who posted before me to give me the link to the turmeric supplement that you are taking, please. | F | 57 | 2.5 years 2.5 1X D | 8/27/2012 | 2 | Breast& lymph node cancer,brac gene | Side effects- increasing over time...hand, feet, knee, & jaw pain...exhausted but can't sleep...can't focus or remember things...nauseous & dizzy...and I'm overly emotional. The hot flashes have decreased over time. Fast weight gain over a short period was actually the final red flag that my side effects weren't menopause or stress. (i gained 25-30 pounds in 3-4 months) I figured out all my symptoms were due to the letrizole...especially after I found this website & saw how many women are going through the same exact thing. | I MAY HAVE FOUND A SOLUTION TO MY SYMPTOMS THAT COULD HELP YOU TOO!!!!! My boyfriend is a doctor & he did a ton of research to come up with two things to help me naturally (I refuse to take another drug to fix the original drug). Vitamin b has helped with my energy & a Tumeric supplement with black pepper (for easier absorption) has done wonders for me with literally everything else. Look up the benefits online & you will be floored that you didn't know about it sooner. Pharmaceutical companies are coming up with a synthetic form of tumeric for cancer patients very soon...they don't want you to know what a miracle herb it is in its natural form. I feel like I'm getting my life back ...and I've only been on it one week and seeing improvement with ALL of my problems. I am floored that no one told me about this. Please do yourself a favor & look into it...via Internet...your doctor...other patients. I hate to see anyone suffer another day when relief can be so simple. Lastly...revisit the do & don't eat list for cancer foods...they make a big difference too. May god bless each of you...I admire all you have overcome...you are strong women!!! | F | 44 | 2 years 2.5 1X D | 8/26/2012 | 2 | post breast cancer & elective BSO | Aching muscles & joints all over body. Particularly severe plantar fascitis. I am 49 and feel like 99. Finding it very painful to walk, get up off a seat, climb stairs, get out of the car. Take the aches & pains of the worst flu you can imagine and quadruple it! Also too much weight gain & no energy. | Can anyone comment as to whether the side effects disappear when you cease taking Femara? Currently trying to weigh up if this current poor quality of life is worth it and whether to continue this treatment. | F | 49 | 2 months 2.5 mg 1X D | 8/18/2012 | 1 | BC Stage 1 | This is follow-Up to 1-24-2012 post. Although better, still having back pain/knee pain every day. I know this was Femara that caused.Never a problem prior to taking Femara. Only took for 90 days before ditching this poison, but now 8 months later and still having pain problems. Stay away from this! So far my BC check-ups are good. But will I ever recover from this horrible drug??? | F | 64 | 90 days 1X D | 8/16/2012 | 1 | Breast a cancer caused by HRT | Hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, arthritis in my hands & feet but worst of all vaginal bleeding. I just had a D&C &will have the results this week. If It comes back benign I'm going to be very upset. All this as a result of HRT& Femara. We're stupid to trust the drug companies, they want to keep us sick. We should turn to alternative medicine. | F | 66 | 4 years 2.5 1X D | 8/12/2012 | 4 | breast cancer stage 1 | hot flashes, pain in joints especially thumbs, memory loss pain in feet , shoulders | I have had one vacation from Femara for two weeks and i felt like a new person. My quality of life is miserable but i keep telling myself it could have been worse. The over all pain in joints and muscles can bring me to tears. I have to use a cane quite often but will do my best to get through the next four years. Had carpel tunnel surgery on both wrists three months ago which came out of the blue and i attribute to Femara. | F | 71 | 14 months 2.5 1X D | 8/2/2012 | 4 | adenosarcoma in endometreosis | Severe joint, bone pain, headaches, nausea, nightsweats, blurred vision, insomnia, chills to roasting in matter of minutes, tiredness, etc | I have a rare form of cancer as my endometriosis is outside of the uterus. Had hysterectomy/ooperectomy 20 yrs prior to cancer diagnosis. I have had numerous surgeries for endometreosis I have gone as long as 8.5 yrs in between. Thus far I've gotten by for 7.5yrs. I'm on this med for life but am at the point of deciding if quality of life that I'm currently experiencing is worth taking it. | M | 56 | 7.5 years 2.5mg 1X D | 7/13/2012 | 4 | Breast Cancer Stage 1 | bad stomach pains after eating - includes pain in back - ribs - collar bone - jaw - pain in legs and ankles at night when laying down - very hard to get out of a chair - move real slow - best of luck to everyone - Blessings | F | 68 | 4 years 2.5 1X D | 6/29/2012 | 1 | Breast cancer stage 3 | Where do I begin. This drug has changed my life and not in a good way. I used to be very active but now I have to force myself to walk around the block. | Pain is everywhere with sharp stabbing pains in my feet and hands. I usually get that in the evening when I am sitting or laying on the couch. I have had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand (and I am left handed. What does that tell you.) and the left hand is being done aug.2nd. I too am considering quality of life vs this horrible drug. | F | 62 | 14 months 1X D | 6/29/2012 | 3 | Metastatic Breast Cancer (Bone) | The first week I began taking this drug I experienced hot flashes, depression, loss of appetite and unbelievable aching plus stiffness in my joints and muscles. My hips being the worse. This drug was worse than the 12 weeks of chemo. But I found help. | I came upon this forum and read a couple of suggestions of taking collagen, specifically NeoCell Collagen+C from Costco and Glucosamine. I had relief within 24 hours. My nutritional oncologist suggested HMC Hesperidin for the hot flashes. Rhodiola Rosea for mental clarity and depression. I feel so much better. Yes I still have hot flashes but nearly as many. She also suggested Phenylalanine-D for the pain. All of this has helped. Also, keep moving. Yes it's difficult especially in the morning or after sitting for a while, but my dr. agreed it's important to force yourself. I had good response to the chemo and my oncologist feels this drug can keep the cancer at bay. I gave this a 3 rating based on the short time I have taken this. | F | 57 | 45 days 2.5 1X D | 6/19/2012 | 5 | Ductal carcinoma | some joint pain... taking letrozole - generic | joint pain.. other aging issues... and maybe some chemo damage. but very well tolerated... Primary Physician prescribed Arthrotec for joint pain... worked majic... moderate discomfort not worth the risk of not taking... | F | 62 | 3 years 2.5 mg 1X D | 6/7/2012 | 1 | post breast cancer chemo/radiation | My comment regarding this drug is posted in April of 2010. At that time I was going to tell my Oncologist that I was going to discontinue taking Femara as "quality of life" was as important, if not more so, than living with extreme pain this drug was giving me that virtually gave me no productive life. Since that time, after discontinuing Femara, my joint pain has gradually disappeared, though I still have hip pain that radiates into my legs which is a combination of degenerative changes and I firmly believe, as a result of this medication. Prior to taking Femara and even after chemo and radiation, I did not experience pain until Femara came into my life. So far, by the Grace of God, I am still "cancer free" and feeling like I have a life once more. I still read comments about this drug and my heart goes out to those of you who are experiencing the debilitating effects of this drug. | F | 64 | 3 months 20 mg. 1X D | 6/5/2012 | 1 | Breast cancer | severe aches and pains and chronic sleeplessness | F | 63 | 5 days 30mg 1X D | 6/3/2012 | 3 | BC Stage II | I'm never without pain in my hips and knees, but sometimes the pain migrates to other joints, including my wrists, hands, and feet. It's much harder to walk and to rise from a chair. I suffer from sleeplessness, brain fog, lethargy and minor weight gain. A few months ago, my eyes became dry and they're sometimes painful. | Despite the side effects, I work full-time in a job that requires my full attention and fine writing skills and I do it well - most of the time! My family needs me, and I will endure the side effects for another 3 1/2 years. I hope my surgery, chemo, radiation, and now Femara will keep me healthy for as long as I am needed. My two B/C survivor groups are invaluable and I urge all survivors, if at all possible, to find one that meets your needs. Our doctors can not empathize with our journeys. They can only advise from what they've learned, from research and from us. | F | 57 | 18 months 1X D | 5/21/2012 | 3 | Stage 4 Recurrance Breast Cancer | Took Femara for 18 months, now on generic Letrozole, (which is a lot cheaper) for 20 months now. I do not notice any difference in the 2 meds. My joint pain is still terrible. Mostly my hips, back, hands, and feet. I still get hot flashes that bring on dizziness and naseau. It is worth it if I never get cancer again, but my biggest fear is if I live my life in such pain and discomfort for 5 years and the drug doesnt work. I pray everyday for a real cure or prevention. | F | 52 | 2.5 1X D | 5/16/2012 | 3 | Breast Cancer | Bad pain in my feet, vein enlargement in my feet, all over joint and muscle pain, heaviness in legs, high cholesterol, somewhat high blood pressure (which I never had before) fatique and weight gain. | Shortly after starting Femara, I brought to my oncologist's attention, on two ocassions, that my feet hurt really bad. Was told it was a side effect of the meds the first time, second time I was told to take ibuprophen. I have a high tolerance for pain, but this was bad enough to seek some outside help. In the 18 months that I've been taking Femara, I developed some pretty bad osteoartheritis in both feet, along with spurs, something I never had before. This stuff DESTROYS YOUR JOINTS, except no one wants to tell you that. Prior to taking this medication, the most I had was some mild artheritis in my fingers...now I'm half-crippled in my feet. I also have high cholesterol now, as well as borderline high BP, vein inflammation in my feet (seeing a vein guy about that in 2 wks) gained 35 lbs in a matter of months, heavy-feeling tired legs and general fatique. Overall, I feel un-well a good deal of the time. They want me on this for 10 years. If this kind of damage ocurred in 18 months, what is going to happen to me after 8.5 years?! I have a decision to make regarding quality of life issues vs. the inevitable should I stop taking Femara. And you know what? I feel I've been duped. I should have been told about all of the possible side effects, which I wasn't and I'm pissed. I should have done research on my own though, but I didn't until all of this stuff happened to me. | F | 54 | 18 months 2.5 mg 1X D | 5/11/2012 | 3 | 3a homone receptive breast cancer | I took femara for about 1 year with no side effects. I switched to the generic from Walgreens ( pink pill) a year ago with no side effects. 3 weeks ago I switched to a yellow pill of the generic and am having increasing knee pain and knee weakness. The yellow pill is from Breakenridge pharmacuticals. | Femara was fine for me but the generic form not so much | F | 65 | 2 years 2.5 1X D | 5/11/2012 | 5 | stage 2bc | Acid reflux joint pain stiffness when I get up from sitting and has made me continuously hungry. Will not go off this | F | 58 | 4 years 12.5mg | 4/27/2012 | 3 | DCIS microinvasive stage 0 | Memory issues, joint pain (Pain in feet is the worst) | I was on arimedex first for 3 months. Stopped because the foot pain got so severe I could not walk. I am already starting to have the same symptoms with the femara. I believe in this drug in principle and will gladly continue as long as the side effects do not interfere with my ability to actually live my life, If you look at the actual statistics early stage breast cancers will reoccur in about 4% of women. Taking femara reduces that to 2%. Overall the risks are not hugh so If side effects become debilitating I will stop the medication | F | 53 | 2 weeks 2.5 1X D | 4/12/2012 | 4 | Breast Cancer | The first year: numbness in my knees, joint pain in most joints, shooting pain in hands and feet. Horrible shifts in temperature, sometimes so cold I would ache. Years 2-4 were the same. Year 4, I wanted off it but after a consultation with an oncologist at OHSU, I wasn't comfortable going off. The last year has been rough: no energy and lots of pain. It has done it's job as I have reached 5 years!!! I was approved to stop taking it and stopped last week. | Going off the Femara after 5 years has been interesting. I stopped taking it 4 days ago. I am extremely tired, foggy brained, and am nauseous. It's similar to morning sickness. Could be anxiety over going off the drug but I don't think so. I am very comfortable with the next stage in my life. I am hopeful that the side effects will lessen quickly. I will post back every month with an update. Beth | F | 62 | 5 years 2.5mg 1X D | 4/8/2012 | 1 | breast cancer | It seems that every joint that has ever had some ache has now come back. My hips are the worst. Also my hands feels like they are extremely swollen. Went off it for two weeks and didn't get better. Taking Aromasin now for two weeks, still not better. | F | 51 | 2 months 1X D | 4/5/2012 | 2 | br. cancer stage 2a | Many, after 2.5 years could hardly walk, joints, hips, back, everythng hurt. Got off at that point. Not worth it to me, could not function.I have now been off Femara for about 9 mos. My symptoms gradually improved,but never went away completely. Now they have all come back big-time. Has anyone else had this experience? i feel like this drug has ruined my body. I was told it was most likely arthritis, but NEVER had any issues before Femara useage. | F | 65 | 2.5 years 1X D | 4/4/2012 | 2 | Breast cancer | I started having pain in my back, shoulder and hands almost immediately from the start of taking. The pain is now constant and can barely walk, cannot write without extreme pain and cannot sit or stand for more than a couple of minutes. I have hardly any short term memory, will have bouts of severe fatigue that comes on suddenly and have lost almost all muscle mass so that it shows I have only put on 5 lbs. but in fact, have put on quite a few inches. I also have tremors in my hands that I do not see listed as a side effect. I am going to disscuss with my Dr. about going off. I have no quality of life at this moment. | F | 54 | 1 years 30 | 3/26/2012 | 4 | Breast Cancer | Dizziness and unable to concentrate for any length of time. Short term memory loss. | Just recently I was asked to learn a new computer program at work. I ended up having a severe panic attack. I was so fustrated not being able to remember what we had just learned the day before. On a daily basis I would use little tricks to compensate for this handicap. But this week, with so much information coming at me all at once, it was the worst week I've had in four years... So, if anyone is feeling this kind of torture your not alone. However, I'll take my life with my husband and my kids over learning this new program any day. If this medication keeps me alive I'm willing to accept the side effects. | F | 53 | 4 days 2.5 mg 1X D | 3/25/2012 | 3 | Breast cancer | Aches in bones, shortness of breath, fatigue, tingles in mouth, hands and feet. Sleeplessness, foggy brain, forgetfulness, the shakes. And also sometimes hard for my eyes to focus | Happy to finish this medication after my 5yrs is up. Had breast cancer twice within 5 1/2 years. Age 33 then 38. | F | 42 | 2.8 years 2.5 1X D | 3/19/2012 | 4 | Hormone positive breast cancer | occasional hot flashes | So far, so good with no aches or pains. I take 5000iu of Vitamin D3 a day, which probably helps. I take it at bedtime and sleep through the night. | F | 65 | 6 weeks 2.5 mg 1X D | 2/29/2012 | 1 | Stage 1 bc | joint pain, extreme in my hips and shoulders, lower back pain pretty severe, surges of pain through out my body, brain fog | I was on Arimidex for 2 months. Horrible side effects. Went off for 2 weeks and felt better. Then I started Femara. I've been on it about a month. I am having the same side effects as Arimidex, but not as severe. The side effects are pretty debilitating still. Onc put me on Neurontin for leg pain, it's helped. It also is beneficial for hot flashes. Which were so bad I would get sick and they were happening several times in 1/2 hour period. But still not as bad as with Arimidex. I feel pretty horrible. I will be calling Dr. in AM. Not sure I will be staying on this. Have no quality of life. Already cut my hours at work from the severe side effects of Arimidex, but not sure if I can even work. I am saddened as I have a 13 yr. old daughter and I can't do a lot of things with her. I really don't know what to do. My husband is saying well, you just won't be able to take it. I guess taking the chance is easier for others to take when it's not them having to deal with it. I know he doesn't want to see me hurting so bad. I am afraid to take it and not take it. :( | F | 43 | 1 months 2.5 1X D | 2/27/2012 | 3 | Bc stage 1 | beginning lot of joint pain ESP in back and hips trigger finger depression brain fog better now but still have joint pain exercise really helps take d3 calcium fish oil turmeric b complex Hang in there ladies day at a time god bless all | F | 58 | 4 years 2.5 1X D | 2/23/2012 | 4 | prevent reoccurrence | Being on it such a short time I only feel a little pain once in awhile on my right shoulder, and some fatigue. | Reading all these side effects I was very hesitant taking femara, but I figured I give it a try. I was diagnosed 2+ years ago, had a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction, followed by 4 months of aggressive chemotherapy. I was stage 1 BC and BRCA+. So far so good. | F | 53 | 30 days 2.5mg 1X D | 2/16/2012 | 4 | Breast Cancer - Stage 4C | From the very beginning taking Femara I had joint issues...my fingers would cramp up, I would just pull them apart and figure, hey preventing another bought of breast cancer, worth the cramping of my fingers. I am now 6.5 years breast cancer free in 2012. I am 58 years old come April, 2012 and as a result of taking Femara for this length of time, I believe it caused my bladder wall to be non existent and last Wednesday, I went into the hospital to have a anterior repair, repair of the vaginal wall as my bladder was actually coming into my vagina...and at this point, I also have a small posterior issue, my gyno felt to small to repair at this point. I don't think it helped I took a trampoline class for 4 weeks at the gym and then purchased a mini trampoline for exercise at home. So, I will be on Femara for another 4 years and I'm worried the posterior problem may become worse and another surgery needed. I, of course, will stay off the trampoline and prevent it from happening sooner. | F | 57 | 6 years 25 mg. 1X D | 2/12/2012 | 4 | breast cancer | It is difficult to say which are the side effects of Femara since the chemotherapy put me in menopause. I also get calcium injection to blood (Zometa) twice a year. Probably the stiff neck and general stiffness could be caused by Femara. But it does not prevent me from doing sports, gym, yoga or going to skiing holidays. Recently I have a feeling that my memory is not what it used to be, I'm less quick and I'm hearing less well. | The tumor was dependent on oestrogen so there is a need to prevent oestrogen production in my body | F | 50 | 2.5 years 1X D | 2/10/2012 | 3 | breast cancer | bit worried after reading your comments 2007 lump and sental node + fec x3 taxetore x3 radation 6wks ,tamoxifen and triptorelin for 4 an half yrs just started femara meant to be on it for 5yrs but already suffering most of these conditions for the other drugs stg 2 wondering if the best years of my life are passing me by | F | 43 | 2.5mg 1X D | 2/4/2012 |